About the Event

Tickets

Venue

Brewery and Tap Room
485 New Park Avenue
West Hartford, CT

New Park Brewing was founded in 2015 by John Doyle, Alex Dee, and Tom Atkins. Our vision was to create the highest quality beer along with an establishment that fostered memorable experiences for family, friends, and our community. After endless home brewing and experimentation, tasting events, and community building, the brewery was opened to the public in March of 2017. Since then our staff has grown to more than 20+ employees, with each team member working together to bring you the best possible experience and quality product.

Incredible artisanal beer is what this company was founded on, and is still paramount to our success and values. We have expanded to offer minimal intervention wines, heirloom cider, and sourdough pizza, with even more offerings soon to come. Not to mention our beautifully renovated event spaces suitable for weddings and other private parties.

Despite our continuous evolution, our focus has remained the same since day one: to offer our community the highest quality beverages and experiences that we possibly can. We strive to continue raising the bar for the craft brewing industry, and to carry on New Park as an institution that values integrity, inclusivity, and innovation.

Parking for this event will be 100% valet parking courtesy of LAZ Parking.

Dinner will be under the grande tent courtesy of Taylor Rental.

Event Menu

Artists & Performers - Check back for additional performers!

CO-HOSTS

OLIVIA FENTON is so excited to be your ENCORE ON TAP host! Playhouse on Park audiences may recognize her as Leanne from THE PIN-UP GIRLS, or from singing jazz with the Shubert Alley Cats. As an actor, she has performed at Actors’ Shakespeare Project, Connecticut Repertory Theater, Ivoryton Playhouse, The REV, Music Theatre of Connecticut, and The Monomoy Theatre. As a singer-songwriter, she recently released her debut single, “Finding My Way,” available on all streaming platforms. For more music and updates, feel free to visit www.olivia-fenton.com

PERFORMERS

ROSEMARIE BESKIND is a retired elementary school teacher (WHPS-Braeburn!) who is actively involved with community theatre, acting and directing comedies and dramas... and formerly, singing and dancing in musicals. Rosemarie loves Monday morning tap classes at Playhouse Theater Academy and is inspired by Darlene’s extraordinary teaching style; and she gets to dance with very talented and much younger students! The secret to longevity? KEEP MOVING!

MADDI BOWMAN is a NYC-based musical theatre performer. You can see her as Kate in Playhouse on Park’s production of THE WILD PARTY this summer! She was most recently seen understudying Carole King and other roles in Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production of BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE ING MUSICAL. In addition to her work onstage, Maddi is a songwriter. Her new single, “Birthday Wish” is out now on all streaming platforms. She is represented by The Roster Agency. IG: @maddibowman

LILY BUCKO is thrilled to be joining Playhouse this summer in their upcoming production of THE WILD PARTY. Lily grew up in CT and is so happy to be home for the summer. Other regional credits: MYSTIC PIZZA, ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Ivoryton Playhouse), A CHRISTMAS CAROL(Hartford Stage). Education: BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College. Socials: @lilybucko on IG, lilybucko.com. Lots of thanks to Sean Harris for always believing in me!

SOPHIA CANTIN is thrilled to be part of her first Playhouse production. During the summer, Sophia will be appearing in THE WILD PARTY as Nadine/Ensemble. She is currently pursuing her Musical Theatre BFA at Marymount Manhattan College in NYC. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her passions and supporting her in her theater journey.

MALLORY CUNNINGHAM Libra, twin, lover of snacks and Playhouse On Park- is thrilled to be tap dancing in her 3rd Encore! She is lucky enough to have been part of three PoP casts: HAIR (dance captain), A CHORUS LINE (Kristine), and SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Swing). Mallory grew up dancing at her mother’s dance studio (Glastonbury Dance Center) and attended Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, where her passion for rhythm tap bloomed. While studying acting at UCONN, Mal danced with PoP’s beloved stop/time dance theater. Next up, Mallory will be co-choreographing/assistant directing The SpongeBob Musical for the East Hartford Summer Youth Festival. Extra special thanks to Darlene and the Playhouse Theatre Academy for giving adults a place to tap dance!

RICK FOUNTAIN has been seen at Playhouse on Park in CHIGAGO (Amos), PIPPIN (Charlemagne), MAMA D’s OUTRAGEOUS ROMP, SAY SOMETHING FUNNY (A Tribute to Carol Burnett), IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE (Mouse) and is an original member of Darlene Zoller's stop/time dance theater, appearing in all 20 of their original shows. A member of the Falcetti Four, he has been seen in countless cabaret performances representing Playhouse on Park for more than a decade. A 35-year veteran of musical theater, Rick has performed in over a dozen area theaters. IG: @rickfountainjr

KENNETH GALM is an award-winning actor, singer, and musician. Regional: CRT: SWEENEY TODD (Tobias) *CT Critics Circle Award, Playhouse On Park: ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914, THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF DR. WONDERFUL (AND HER DOG!), A CHARLES DICKENS CHRISTMAS. @kennethgalm

JASMEN HUNTER is a performer and music teacher who enjoys sharing her love of music both in the classroom and on stage. She is a voice and piano teacher at a studio in Deep River, CT, where she works with young students to help them grow in confidence, and musical skill at their own pace. Outside of theatre and music, Jasmen is a mom and spends much of her time with her 2 year old son. She enjoys writing music and finding small ways to bring music and creation into everyday life. Jasmen is incredibly grateful to be part of the Playhouse on Park fundraiser once again and to support a space that has always, and will continue for many years, to bring live performance and community together.

COREY HUTCHINS is a Native of Manchester CT and has been tap dancing for 37 years. Hutchins has studied with Derick K. Grant, Lady Dianne Walker, The Late Harold "Stumpy" Cromer, and Clare O'Donnell (also from CT). He has workshopped with The late Gregory Hines, The Late Dr. Jimmy Slyde, Dr. Savion Glover , and more. He has been seen on stage at numerous Tap City Performances (New York City Tap Festival) 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2013. In 2004 Corey started a 8 year run with "Riverdance the Show" where he performed on stages around the world which include Radio City Music Hall (NYC), Pantages Theatre (LA), In 2010 Mr. Hutchins was invited to Perform at The White House for The First Lady Michelle Obama and other Celebrity guests. In 2021 Mr. Hutchins took on the role as Adjunct Professor teaching Rhythm/Jazz tap, and it’s history at The University of Hartford where he’s is finishing up his 5th year in this role.

COLLINS MARCO grew up training as a competitive dancer and singing in her school choirs. She was a member of the St. Louis Hoofers Club where she performed all over the country continuing the legacy of tap dance. She then graduated with a BFA in musical theatre and moved to New York City where lived and worked for 7 years. During her years as a professional dancer she was part of creating 3 Broadway shows. She first originated the role of Shelby in the NY workshop and then in the world-premiere production of THE PROM at the Alliance Theatre prior to its Broadway run. Collins then made her Broadway debut in the original cast of MEAN GIRLS, where she performed, most notably, as “sexy corn” for its entire 2 year run. Most recently, she “stepped behind the table” for the first time as the assistant choreographer during the development of SOME LIKE IT HOT!

ROBERT MINTZ may be recognized by Playhouse on Park audiences as Cosmo Brown in last summer’s SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, which he also choreographed. His previous PoP credits include directing/choreographing THE PROM, DR. WONDERFUL, and POLKADOTS and co-choreographing BANDSTAND (CTCC Nomination). As a performer, he has been seen at The Kennedy Center, Walnut Street Theatre, Riverside Theatre, Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, and The Fulton. This summer he’ll be tapping up a storm in 42ND STREET at Sharon Playhouse. IG: @mintzterpiecetheater

JULIA SOLECKI has appeared in several Playhouse shows including: Dora Bailey U/S Lina Lamont SINGING IN THE RAIN, Ensemble U/S Mrs. Greene THE PROM, Ensemble U/S Julia Trojan BANDSTAND, Player PIPPIN. You can see her this summer in The Wild Party! Thank you Darlene, Sean, Tracy, and the rest of the Playhouse team for your continued trust in me! www.juliasolecki.com IG: @julia.solecki

MICHELLE WIRKUS started her dance training at Gloria Jean’s Studio of Dance studying diverse genres of dance throughout her youth. She graduated from Bucknell University with a BS in Biochemistry and a minor in Dance, while performing and choreographing for the Bucknell Dance Company. She had the special honor of performing in Beijing, China her senior year with the company showcasing American tap and jazz dance styles for an international arts festival. After graduating she taught at a local dance studio in Cheshire for 5 years. Most recently she has performed with Immix Dance Project, CT Tap Collaborative and with Darlene Zoller in productions of MAMA D’S OUTRAGEOUS ROMP. Michelle is honored and humbled at the opportunity to perform at Encore!

Dancing til' midnight to the music of Latanya Farrell!

Latanya is an ordinary woman with an ordinary life who brings an extraordinary voice to the music scene during live performances and on her debut album “Feelin’ Alright”. Uplifting melodies and powerful vocals are the hallmark of her songs about life, love and happiness. Latanya Farrell has emerged as a band leader full of energy who is uniquely gifted at engaging audiences with her bright smile and impeccable style. Blending Latanya’s original music with popular cover tunes, she performs to packed houses throughout New England. Her presence is infectious and the energy keeps flowing throughout the entire performance with music that ranges from soulful classics to urban contemporary to her inspiring originals.

Extraordinary Voice
Latanya's powerful performances are packed with people both far and near who come to hear her incredible vocals. Dubbed the “Queen of Summer Concerts” by the Hartford Courant in 2013, Latanya Farrell is a multitalented gifted singer, songwriter, and performer with genuine passion, energy, and a love for music and life.

Since winning Connecticut Star Search in 2003, Latanya has had leading musical roles which include performing “Songs in the Key of Life” at the Bushnell Theater as well as other large venues sharing the stage with amazing artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Air Supply.

Latanya has been featured on several albums including her longtime friend and world-renowned saxophonist Jimmy Greene’s Grammy Award nominated album, “A Beautiful Life”, which was dedicated to Jimmy and Nelba Márquez-Greene’s beautiful precious daughter, Ana Grace, who was tragically lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Energetic Performer
Latanya's award-winning vocal talent and style have been influenced by Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, and Jill Scott. With performance roots in her family church and community events, her career took off shortly after she was named Champion of the 2003 Connecticut Star Search competition.

Listen to Latanya and get excited to dance at Encore!

Underwriters

Underwriters help cover costs associated with the event, allowing Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc. to raise even more money to support Playhouse on Park and Playhouse Theatre Academy. Underwriters receive recognition at the event, in the program, and receive two tickets to attend Encore.

Thank you to our 2026 Underwriters!

Decor
Anonymous

Dinner
Ruth & Ron Van Winkle

Desserts
Peter & Gene Evans

Photo Booth
Gail & David Mangs

Performer Meals
Gaetano & Jayne Albani

Under 40 Ticket

Consider becoming an Underwriter today. The following opportunities are still available:

NEED! Underwriter - Cocktail Reception $2,500 link to purchase

NEED! Underwriter - Tent $5,000 link to purchase

NEED! Underwriter - Entertainment $5,000 link to purchase

NEED! Ticket Underwriters - $250 Underwrite the cost of a VIP Guest, Auctioneer, or Staff to attend the event. You will be recognized in the program, on the website and at the event. link to purchase

Our Sponsors

Thank you to the following businesses for their support of Encore! On Tap

Become a Sponsor! Click here for our Sponsorship Packet.

BREW MASTER

Richard and Lea Rubenstein


CICERONES

THE GOLDEN GROWLERS

   

THE PINT POURERS

THE CHEERS CREW

Auction

To donate to our auction, click for the Auction informational packet.

Thank you to those who have already contributed to our auction:

Adventure Park, Avert Brasserire, bartaco, Becker's Diamonds & Fine Jewelry, Best Cleaners, BK & Co, Bridgewater Chocolates, Cafe Louise, Central Optica, Cohen Educational Services, Connecticut Museum of Culture and Histor,y CT Kids & Family, Cycling Without Age, D&D Travel Service,s Dave McLellan, Diane Zanonni, DORO Restaurant Grou,p Effie's Place, El Santo, Essex Steam Train, Frame Dimensions, Goodspeed Musicals, Hartford Flavor Company, Hartford Stage, Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Hartford Yard Goats, Hope & Stetson, Imagine Float, Jayne Dean, Jhantee Lopez, Le Banh Patisserie, Lime Rock, Liv Fasanella, Lux Bond & Green, Mandell JCC, Mark Raymond, Mark Twain House & Museum, Mecha Noodle Bar, Metro Bis Restaurant, Mike Michaud, Mosaic Sun, Mr. Sparkle Car Wash, Mystic Aquarium, New York Giants, Niko Touros, Pat McChristian, Playhouse on Park, Siena Private Wealth, Stone Age Rock Gym, Super Cellar Wine & Spirits, Susan Essock, The Bushnell, The Next Chapter, The Simsbury Inn - Evergreeens Restaurant, Total Wine, Valvoline, Winding Trails, Wood N Tap, Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming